Tweetsie Discussions

Earlier this month, we were honored to have WBTV’s own John Carter and Christine Nelson visit the park for a Wild West adventure. John Carter, who worked at Tweetsie Railroad as the Marshal during his college years, even relived his cowboy days at Tweetsie Railroad as part of a feature for WBTV’s popular Carolina Camera program. The episode aired this week, and we couldn’t be happier to be recognized as a top family destination. In fact, this year marks 55 years of classic family fun at Tweetsie!

The show highlighted Tweetsie Railroad’s storied history as well as the thrilling, scenic three-mile Wild West ride aboard our historic steam locomotives. Tweetsie’s Main Street, Deer Park Zoo, Country Fair, Miner’s Mountain, and live shows and performances at the Tweetsie Palace Saloon were also featured. In case you missed it (or want to see it again!), click here to watch the episode of Carolina Camera for an unforgettable glimpse into Tweetsie Railroad.

Come visit us for a day at the park or for one of our upcoming special events including the July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza (July 4 is our birthday too!), the always entertaining K-9s in Flight Frisbee® Dogs and the annual Tweetsie Railroad Ghost Train® Halloween Festival, just to name a few.

Did you watch the show? Leave a comment to let us know what your thoughts!

About Tweetsie Railroad
Tweetsie Railroad is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains on U.S. Highway 321 between Boone and Blowing Rock, North Carolina. For more information about the 2012 season at Tweetsie Railroad, call 1-877-TWEETSIE or visit www.tweetsie.com. Become a Fan of Tweetsie Railroad at www.facebook.com/Tweetsie or follow Tweetsie on Twitter: www.twitter.com/TweetsieRR.

I was my grandmother's admiring grandchild. As a youngster, I studied every expression on her face, every piece of jewelry and garment she selected to wear for the day, and every way her past left its mark on her.

I had to ask her one day, "Granny, what is that grayish spot on your knee?" "Its old coal soot!" she replied.

Granny reminded me that her father had been a train engineer with Norfolk & Western Railroad during the early 1900's. As a child, she loved to ride the trains pulled by the coal-powered steam locomotives of the time, especially when driven by her dad.

One day, she was sporting a skinned knee from a fall as many children do on occasion. During the day’s train ride, the steam locomotive was building up power, and as usual a little of the coal soot sifted out of the puffing smoke and onto the passengers. Granny's skinned knee received a good sprinkling, which was eventually healed over. The shadow of soot remained there on her knee for the rest of her life. It was a fond reminder to her.

Granny loved trains! Her dad was the apple of her eye for many reasons, and she thrilled at the memory of him driving while she rode. Tweetsie Railroad was always so much fun for her as it was the perfect way for her to relive those times with her family.

About four years ago, I started a new hobby of genealogy. Granny would be proud at the amount of research I've done. As a result of my hobby, I've developed a keener appreciation for the past. I jump at any opportunity to experience, first-hand, a piece of America's history. So, I had a Golden Rail Season Pass at Tweetsie this past year; and, every time I’d go, I’d see Granny’s thrill for trains in every young child’s eyes.

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Visitor Comments

“Been to Tweetsie a lot but just went to the Ghost Train for the first time this last weekend and LOVED it! I like it better than regular Tweetsie! I have a 7 and 1 yr old! Just wanted to say that we will be back!! Great time!!! Love the way the cast interacted with the crowd as we waited for the train. LOVE it!”